The tribute begins on 2 November with the screening of a documentary about Rahbani at El-Sawy Culturewheel.
Created by journalist Jad Ghosn, the film follows Rahbani through private rehearsals, studio sessions, and concerts marking his return to the stage in early 2020. It also explores his artistic journey and the key phases that shaped his musical style and political voice—from his debut in the early 1970s to his final years. The documentary highlights both his celebrated works and lesser-known compositions.
On 3 November, renowned Syrian satirist and cartoonist Saad Hajo will lead a seminar titled Ziad Rahbani – The Voice of Rebellion at the Oriental Hall, AUC Tahrir.
Joined by artists Hazem Shaheen, Hany Adel, and Wagdy El-Fiwy, the discussion will explore Rahbani’s role not only as a composer but also as a thinker and social activist.
On 7 November, several well-known Egyptian musicians will contribute to a special tribute to Rahbani, including Hany Adel, Nouran Abu Taleb, Hazem Shaheen, Alyaa Nada, and Rana Haggag, among others.
Accompanied by the Egyptian Recording Orchestra under the baton of Wagdy El-Fiwy, the performers will take to the stage at Ewart Hall, AUC Tahrir.
Ziad Rahbani (1956–2025)
Ziad Rahbani, who passed away on 26 July 2025, remains one of the most influential figures in modern Arab culture. Born into Lebanon’s most iconic musical family—son of Fairuz and composer Assi Rahbani—he emerged in the early 1970s as a bold new voice, blending Arabic music, jazz, and political theatre in a deeply personal and socially engaged style.
His early works, including Saalouni El-Nass (1973), performed by Fairuz, and plays like An Evening’s Celebration (1973) and Bennesbeh Labokra Chou? (1978) marked the beginning of a prolific career that tackled themes of war, identity, and resistance.
Through albums like Houdou Nisbi (1985) and collaborations with Joseph Sakr and Salma Al-Mosfi, Rahbani continually challenged musical and theatrical norms, leaving a legacy of emotional honesty and political defiance.
17th Cairo International Jazz Festival
Running from 30 October to 7 November 2025, the 17th Cairo International Jazz Festival will feature over 20 concerts across multiple venues in the city.
This year’s edition welcomes artists from 15 countries—including Egypt, Australia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland—offering a rich mix of traditional and experimental jazz.
In addition to live performances, the festival includes interactive workshops, Jazz Talks, film screenings, after-hour jam sessions, and a dedicated Jazzino programme for children, blending performance, education, and cultural exchange in celebration of jazz as a global language.
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